Lions Clinch NFC North Division with Victory Over the Vikings
The day that Lions fans have been waiting three decades for finally arrived on Sunday afternoon, as the Lions clinched their first NFC North division title since 1993 with their 30-24 victory over the Vikings to improve to 11-4 on the season. With the Lions clinching the NFC North crown, they have also clinched their first playoff berth since 2016, guaranteeing them at least one home playoff game in January. For the Vikings, the loss drops them to 7-8, as they will be hanging onto their Wild Card playoff hopes in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Lions’ defense played a large part in the victory for Detroit, as they were able to come up with four takeaways against a feisty Vikings offense. Let’s take a look at how the Lions finished the job to clinch their first division title in 30 years.
The Lions would start strong on offense during their first drive of the game to grab a 7-0 lead following a one-yard touchdown run by running back David Montgomery. The Vikings would respond with an opening touchdown drive of their own to tie the game up at 7-7 following a two-yard touchdown run by running back Ty Chandler with two minutes left in the opening quarter. In the second quarter, the Lions would regain a 10-7 lead with five minutes left in the half following a 37-yard field goal by kicker Michael Badgley. Detroit would soon get the ball back after safety Kerby Joseph intercepted Vikings’ quarterback Nick Mullens for the Lions’ second interception of the afternoon.
The Lions would capitalize on Mullens’ turnover, as running back Jahmyr Gibbs would run into the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown run to extend the Lions’ lead to 17-7 with two minutes left before halftime. Prior to halftime, the Vikings would end the quarter on a positive note after Mullens hooked up with wide receiver Justin Jefferson for a 26-yard touchdown catch and run to cut their deficit to 17-14 heading into halftime. The Vikings would get the ball to begin the second half and would take their first lead of the game at 21-17 after Mullens found wide receiver K.J. Osborn for a six-yard touchdown reception. The Lions would respond to retake the lead at 23-21 with four minutes left in the third quarter following a two-yard pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
To begin the final quarter, the Lions would aim to extend their lead to a two-score game following Detroit’s defense holding strong on the previous drive. The Lions would increase their lead to 30-21 with 11 minutes left in regulation following a three-yard touchdown run by Gibbs. With five minutes left in the game, the Vikings needed points quickly as they would trim their deficit to 30-24 after a 26-yard field goal by kicker Greg Joseph. The Vikings’ defense was able to hold strong on their next drive to give their offense a chance at spoiling the Lions’ aspirations of locking up the division title. The Vikings would get into Detroit territory with under a minute left, but Lions’ cornerback Ifeatu Melfionwu would seal the victory on Mullens’ fourth interception of the game.
In the victory, Lions’ quarterback Jared Goff would finish the game going 30 for 40, with 257 passing yards and one touchdown. It was a big afternoon for Lions’ wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown who hauled in 12 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown. The Lions also got major production from their running back group, as Gibbs and Montgomery would both tally at least one touchdown run. The loss for the Vikings was in large part due to a poor performance by Mullens who went 22 for 36, with 411 passing yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. The Vikings’ receiving core managed to keep themselves in the game as Jefferson and Osborn both caught a touchdown pass in the defeat. The Vikings will aim to remain in the playoff hunt as they host the Packers on Sunday night football next week, while the Lions will travel to Dallas next Saturday to face the Cowboys.
